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Displaying blog entries 261-270 of 1998

Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal This Spring

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
by The Hat Team

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

  1. Send Winter Packing!


Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridding your yard of all that mess will have it looking tidy in no time.

  1. Declare War on the Weeds!

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

  1. Time for a Trim!


It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

  1. Quench That Thirst!


It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

  1. Dress it Up!


Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

  1. Prune Away!

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pest and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

  1. Mulch it Up!

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain.  Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working on your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer season.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: costimates.com, realtylandscaping.com, hobbyfarms.com, landscapemulch.com

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714 Karen Rd: Cute Brick Starter or Investment Property!

Friday, April 8, 2022
by The Hat Team

714 Karen Rd, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 514379

3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom / 1,035 SqFt / Forest Hills

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Cute brick starter home or cash-flowing investment property with good tenant already in place! Open floorplan includes living/dining and kitchen, with hardwood and tile floors! updated kitchen features as well as bath. covered parking doubles as great covered sitting area for outdoor enjoyment out of the elements. Big back yard fenced for pets. Convenient location on nice hilly street.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Don’t Make These Bidding War Mistakes

Wednesday, April 6, 2022
by The Hat Team


The current real estate market is still a sellers’ market, meaning bidding wars are not the exception, but the rule when trying to purchase a home. If you are attempting to buy in a desirable area, there are likely to be multiple offers on the property you want, meaning you will have to be competitive to come out on top. It is easy to get caught up in the process and your desire to “win” at all costs may, well…cost you.  Mistakes might not only cost you the home of your dreams but might also have you end up in a house that you regret. So, you need to be careful out there!

Here are some common bidding war mistakes to avoid:

  • Bidding ALL Your Money

NO. Don’t do it. With houses selling for thousands of dollars above asking price, it may be tempting to empty your budget just to “win”. But what if you do get the house and it needs repairs and/or updates? With all your cash gone, you will be left with nothing to put towards improving your new home. DO NOT PANIC and make impulsive decisions that you will come to regret.

  • Rushing to Bid

If you don’t have your financing in place or know exactly where your money is coming from, then now is NOT the time to get into a bidding war. For example, if you make your offer contingent upon the sale of your current house, you are likely to lose in a bidding war because the seller will choose a buyer that has the fewest contingencies. Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan and have all your ducks in a row to stand out to sellers.

  • Bidding with NO Contingencies

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but there are some contingencies that you should NEVER waive. Waiving a home inspection and the ability to back out of the deal if the inspection reveals major issues would be a BIG mistake. It is just not worth the risk. You can compromise on other contingencies but sacrificing the right to inspection is never a good idea.

  • Counting on a Second Chance

When entering a bidding war, it might be tempting to make an offer that leaves room for you to make a “better” offer later. But with so much competition, you likely won’t get a second chance. Work with your Realtor to write your bid as if it is the only bid you will make. If you’ve done your homework and have your financing in order, you should already know the limits of your bidding potential. If you don’t win the bidding war, it simply means the property was not the one for you.

One of the most important things to do when entering the market to buy a home right now is to find an experienced, professional Realtor to help you through the process. Their knowledge of the market along with their expert negotiation skills will be invaluable in your quest to find, and win, the right home for you!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: ovmfinancial, dsnews, fincancebuzz

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3305 Audubon Rd: Charming Cloverdale Cottage in Convenient Midtown Location!

Monday, April 4, 2022
by The Hat Team

3305 Audubon Road, Montgomery, AL  36106

MLS# 514199

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1,524 SqFt / Cloverdale

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Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this charming Cloverdale cottage is convenient to the park, dining, and entertainment! Traditional living room and dining room are perfect for entertaining, and your family will love the big den/family room off the kitchen with plenty of space to spread out. Kitchen and bathrooms have been nicely updated with granite, and kitchen features a large pantry for additional storage. Large master bedroom has walk-in closet and door to back deck. Outdoor living is easy on either the private side deck off the family room, or on the floating deck in the back yard, surrounded by nice landscaping and mature shade trees. Big back yard is fenced and provides privacy and plenty of room for pets. Detached shed is wired and provides additional workspace and storage. Exceptional Midtown Montgomery living!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Billy Young, Sandra Nickel Hat Team

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Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers

Wednesday, March 30, 2022
by The Hat Team

Have you been hesitant to purchase your first home because you are worried about having enough cash for a down payment or that you will not qualify for a loan? Don’t despair! There is help out there for you. Owning a home is a sound financial investment and there is no reason to keep paying a landlord’s mortgage when you could be paying your own and building equity for your future. There are programs available in Alabama that make home ownership more affordable. From looser lending requirements to down payment assistance, to lower mortgage rates, these programs, overseen by the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, make it possible for you to be a homeowner.

Here is a list of programs available to first-time homebuyers in Alabama:

AHFA STEP UP PROGRAM

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority’s (AHFA) program will assist new homebuyers in obtaining a fixed-rate mortgage. Eligible homebuyers (both first-time or repeat buyers) can get a 30-year conventional loan, FHA loan or VA loan at a competitive rate along with down payment assistance. Here are the requirements that need to be met to participate in this program:

  • Property must be in Alabama
  • Credit score must be 640 or higher (depending on loan type)
  • Income can’t exceed the lesser of $130,600 or 80% of the area median income (depending on loan type)
  • Debt to income ratio (DTI) has to be 45% or lower
  • A homeowner education course must be completed

AHFA STEP UP DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

The Step-Up program includes an option for down payment assistance of up to 4% or $10,000 (whichever is less). These assistance funds come via a 10-year second mortgage, but both loans can be paid for in a single payment each month. You must be participating in the Step Up first mortgage program to qualify for down payment assistance.

AHFA AFFORDABLE INCOME SUBSIDY GRANT

This grant will provide up to 1% of your mortgage to assist you in paying for closing costs. It is only available if you are obtaining an HFA Advantage conventional loan, not an FHA loan. It can be combined with the Step Up down payment assistance, as well as a mortgage credit certificate. The requirements are the same as the Step-Up program requirements. But there are different income limits that are based on the county where the home is located.

MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC)

Along with a competitive mortgage rate and down payment assistance, AHFA also offers a mortgage credit certificate to first-time homebuyers. An MCC is a tax credit, and in Alabama, depending on the size of your loan, it can equal as much as 30% to 50% of your mortgage interest. As stated above, your MCC can be combined with AHFA’s Step Up program or any other 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage obtained via a participating lender. Here is how to qualify for an MCC:

  • You must be a first-time homebuyer or not have owned a home within the last three years.
  • There are income limits and purchase price limits that must be met
  • The property being purchased must be in Alabama


So, if you’re ready to stop paying rent and to become a homeowner, one of these approved Alabama Housing Finance Authority programs could provide a starting point for you. AHFA does not offer mortgages directly, but they do work with over 50 lenders all over the great state of Alabama. Be sure to shop around and compare loan offers so that you can find the best possible loan.

A seasoned, professional Realtor like Sandra Nickel can help you navigate the process of figuring out what you can afford and how to start your homebuying journey.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: hometrek.org, mlsmortgage.com, FinanceBuzz.com

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Tips for Restoring a Historic Home

Wednesday, March 23, 2022
by The Hat Team


Is it your dream to purchase a historic home and restore it to its full glory?  If so, you need to be aware that it is a big endeavor; one you need to be prepared for. Dealing with old structures and building materials can be challenging. In addition, old houses can be full of surprises, meaning extra costs that you do not anticipate. But if a historic home has your heart, it IS possible to not only restore it, but to make it your dream home.

Here are some tips for restoring a historic home:

  • Understand the commitment you are making.

Living in an old home has unique challenges that you wouldn’t face in a modern home. Be sure you are willing to live in the conditions a historic home before taking it on as a project. Things like evenly cooled/heated rooms, pristine floors, and energy efficient windows might not be in the cards for you with this “new” abode. You may be able to update parts of the house, but if you truly want to maintain its historic beauty, you might have to make some sacrifices as well.

  • Beware of water damage.

Water damage can cause serious problems in a historic home. Be sure to check everywhere, especially around ceilings, floors, and windows, for signs of water damage. Long-term effects like dry rot can cause huge problems. And extreme water damage can mean structural issues.Not to mention, bugs love wet environments, so you may be dealing with an infestation. Pay special attention to the sill plate. The sill plate is the bottommost horizontal component of a structure that runs the perimeter of the entire foundation. The vertical structural supports of the house are all attached to the sill plate. So, it is vital that it is not damaged. Lopsided floors, for example, might be due to a warped sill plate.

  • Hire a team of professionals to help.

Do your homework and research people who are experts in historic preservation. At the very least, a contractor and inspector can assist in determining an estimate for work needed and the cost involved. But a local historian who has experience with historic homes in the area is someone who can truly assist you with keeping the essence of the home. It is crucial that anyone and everyone working on the home understands your ultimate goal of restoring the property.

  • If you are on a budget, start small.

Most older homes will need updates and renovations, so if you are on a limited budget, seek out a smaller house so that it is more manageable. A tiny historic home lovingly restored with quality materials is definitely better than a giant mansion pieced together with cheap materials.

  • Think about resale value.

This may be your forever home that you never plan to sell, but it is still wise to consider resale value when budgeting. You will not want to spend so much that if you have to sell for some reason, you won’t make your money back. Research what fully restored historic homes sell for in the area and use that information to help determine your budget.

  • Begin with roof, windows, and masonry.

Don’t jump right into the cosmetic stuff, no matter how tempting it is. The beginning stage of renovation should focus on practical things that will prevent any future damage to the home. One major thing to do is to make sure the house is watertight. That means repairs/renovations of the roof, windows, and masonry.

  • Utilize technology.

Updating the heating/cooling and electrical systems of a historic home will likely be the most expensive part of the renovation. Just remember that having modern systems doesn’t mean destroying the period details of the home that made you fall in love with it to begin with. You can maintain historical integrity while also living in comfort.

  • Embrace non-threatening historical quirks.

Why spend a ton of time and money on leveling out uneven floors when you can accommodate them in your new design scheme? The goal is to maintain as much of the historical beauty and charm as possible while also making the house comfortable for living in the 21st century. Be creative when deciding what to keep and what to change!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me  Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: oldhouseweb.com, billingsgazette.com, hermitageroofing.com

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Spring Cleaning 101

Wednesday, March 16, 2022
by The Hat Team

Spring is almost here!  Yay!  That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping, and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best.

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started:


Kitchen

  • Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that have expired. Keep a note pad nearby so you can write down what needs to be replaced.
  • Clean your oven. If it is self-cleaning, make sure you have your windows open (pick a cool day for this), so that the house doesn’t get too hot. If it is not self-cleaning, create a paste with baking soda and water, cover the interior of the oven with the paste and leave it overnight. The next day use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime along with it. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
  • If you are able, carefully move your kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum and mop to get rid of built-up dirt and grime.


Bathroom

  • Clean the bathroom exhaust fan. It can collect dust like a ceiling fan, so give it a good cleaning to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
  • Clean hairbrushes and combs by giving them a soak in the sink. Do the same with makeup brushes, washing them with mild soap and allowing them to air dry.
  • Go through your vanity drawers and get rid of any old makeup or skin care products that you no longer use or that have passed their prime.

Bedrooms

  • Take mattresses off the bed to vacuum both sides of them. Then, if possible, prop them in the sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight can help kill germs. When you replace the mattresses on the bed, be sure to flip and rotate them from their previous position.
  • If you don’t wash your pillows regularly, now is a great time to do it. If they are looking pretty bad, then you should replace them.
  • Switch to lighter weight bedding for spring and summer. If you have been using flannel sheets and heavy comforter, change to light cotton sheets and quilt for warmer months.


Overall

  • Don’t neglect your walls! They get dirty too. Use an extended duster to remove dust and cobwebs and then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt.
  • Take down curtains and wash them (following manufacturer’s instructions). Clean blinds as well. Either take them down and clean them outdoors or thoroughly clean them using appropriate cleaning materials.

Spring cleaning does not have to be an overwhelming task!  Don’t try to do it all in one day. Spread it out over a few days or a weekend. And don’t do it all yourself!  Get the whole family involved and you will be done before you know it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: 21oak.com, themakeyourownzone.com, amothersshadow.com

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Spring Forward Reminder 2022!

Friday, March 11, 2022
by The Hat Team

 

Renew and revive the inside of your home by giving it a good spring cleaning.

Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Call THE HAT TEAM for all your Real Estate needs!
334.834.1500 or [email protected]

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3 Brantwood Dr: Great Investment Property in Montgomery Heights!

Thursday, March 10, 2022
by The Hat Team

3 Brantwood Drive, Montgomery, AL  36109

MLS# 510965

2 Units with 2 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath Each

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Great investment property! Recently renovated kitchens (granite) and baths, refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint and NEW HVAC! This duplex will allow you to live in one side and rent out the other side. Call for an appointment today!

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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3462 Bankhead Ave: Wonderful Family Home in Desirable Edgewood!

Thursday, March 10, 2022
by The Hat Team

3462 Bankhead Avenue, Montgomery, AL  36111

MLS# 510921

3 Beds / 3 Baths / 2,378 SqFt / Edgewood

Play VisualTour

Welcome to this wonderful family home in desirable Edgewood! From the beautiful slate floor in the foyer, you are immediately drawn to the grand Empire marble mantel in the living room across from a large picture window. The formal dining room leads to a huge open kitchen, updated with granite countertops and bar height island on one side and a tiled breakfast area/keeping room on the other, making it the perfect space to entertain family and friends. Master suite has split vanities, walk-in shower, and jetted tub. The laundry room is located right off the kitchen in the middle room of the house which could be used as a den or a 4th bedroom with its own bath. Situated on a 250' lot in Midtown Montgomery, there is plenty of room for play and pets. The covered slate patio offers a nice spot to relax in the lovely back yard. Military tenant in place until the end of June.

Marketed by Montgomery AL Realtor, Lauren Keen, Sandra Nickel Hat Team!

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Displaying blog entries 261-270 of 1998

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